As part of the HEAling Communities Study, we have funding to run three communications campaigns–one focused on naloxone/Narcan, and two focused on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

Opioid use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an inability to stop the use of an addictive substance, despite the negative consequences associated with its use. It’s normal to use medications, sometimes for the rest of your life, to manage a chronic health condition. Recovery from OUD also requires more than willpower, and medications can be part of the solution. Three FDA approved medications – methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone – can lower the risk of relapse and overdose. Evidence shows that these medications reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms (methadone, buprenorphine), blunt or block effects of illicit opioids (methadone, naltrexone, buprenorphine), and reduce or eliminate cravings to use opioids (methadone, buprenorphine). MOUD treatment can be combined with psychotherapy, support groups, or other treatment opportunities where available. To reduce overdose deaths and the many other destructive effects of opioid use disorder on our community, we must increase the number of people who seek MOUD treatment and who stay in treatment long enough to recover.

However, challenges associated with availability and acceptance of medication treatment exist. They can make it harder for people to access the treatment they need or to stay in treatment for as long as they need.

Partners from across Cortland County are working together to coordinate and promote a 3rd communications campaign this summer/fall focused on normalizing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and the important on staying on these medications. We are working to help spread the word about how MOUD is an evidence-based treatment for managing a chronic condition–opioid use disorder–that has been shown to reduce the risk of overdose and can help improve lives.

This campaign focuses on people’s own stories of going through treatment, especially talking about common challenges and how folks can manage them. It’s unique in that it also has several videos of people who are in recovery sharing their experiences to help people feel less alone and navigate their recovery journeys. There are many barriers to staying on medication treatment as long as needed. Many people don’t know what resources are available to overcome common barriers, and end up not staying in treatment as long as they need. This campaign is designed to both normalize using medication treatment as long as necessary and help people better cope with challenges to staying in treatment.

We are currently over halfway through the main run of the campaign and have 15 partner agencies sharing social media posts as well as print materials and things like waiting room videos or digital displays! We’re also working to feature local people who are in recovery.

You can read the full press release here. If you or your agency are interested in working with us on this communications campaign, please take a look at our partner toolkit and reach out to Aster. Even though the main run of the campaign is nearing its end, these materials can still be meaningful to people who are in treatment or about to start treatment, and we can work with you to get print versions of resources as well!